Gauging and detecting apparatus



July 6, 1954 w. .1. FEDORCHAK ET AL 2,682,802

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July 6, 1954 w. .1. FEDORCHAK ET AL 2,682,802

GAUGING AND DETECTING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 23, 1946 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Patented July 6, 1954 2,682,802 GAUGING AND DETECTING APPARATUS William J. Fedorchak, Granite City, G. Politsch, Luther H. Wideman, M. Duncan, Alton, Ill., Illinois Glass Company,

and Verney and Donald a'ssignors to Owensa corporation of Ohio Application August 23, 1946, Serial No. 692,574

6 Claims.

Our invention relates to apparatus for gauging bottles, jars or other articles made of glass or the like and at the same time, automatically inspecting certain surfaces of the articles and detecting any of various surface defects such as checks, fire cracks, crizzles, seams, or other surface irregularities and the like. The invention provides means actuated by any such defects, while a supply of the articles are being tested seriatim, to indicate the defective articles and segregate them from those which pass the tests.

The invention is particularly adapted for use in inspecting glass jars or other containers which are used for packing and hermetically sealing various products. Glass containers, owing to the methods of manufacture, are inherently subject to surface defects and irregularities such as minute cracks in the surface of the glass, crizzles, seeds, plunger marks, blisters, seams at the) meeting faces of the sectional molds, and other defects. Any such defect in the sealing surface of a container may permit a slow leakage. An object of the present invention is to provide automatic means for detecting any such defects. The invention is designed to inspectarticles automatically at a rapid rate as theyare fed through the inspecting apparatus and. automatically indicate and segregate the defective articles from thosethat pass the tests.

A further object of the invention is to combine novel article gauging apparatus cooperatively with concurrently operating detecting means ,for detecting various surface defects and causing articles which are defective or out of gauge to actuate electroresponsive means for discarding or separating such articles from those which pass the test.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved means for inspecting articles serially and .by which a light beam directed against the surface under inspection, is reflected by a flaw in such surface and the light directed against a photoelectric cell which thereby is .energized and operates through amplifying means to actuate a signal and/or rejecting mechanism for "discarding the defective articles.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel and compact arrangement and combination of a lamp or source of light, prisms or reflectors, and a photoelectric cell, all in close proximity to each other.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved gauging means operated mechanically in combination with mechanically operated seam detecting means, and electronic means :operable by radiant energy within the spectral range for detecting surface defects and actuating rejecting mechanism common to all of said means.

Other objects of the invention will appear hereinafter.

Referring to the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a part-sectional plan View of an apparatus embodying our invention, the section being taken below the gauging head;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary plan view, paratively large scale, of the gauging parts mounted thereon;

.Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation at the line 3-3 on Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a section at the line 4-4 on Fig. 3, showing seam detecting mechanism;

Fig. 4A is a part-sectional view of the same at the line 4A-4A on Fig. 5;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional elevation showing a wiper device and its operating means and parts of the seam detector;

Fig. 6 is a sectional elevation at the irregular line 6-6 on Fig. 2, on a larger scale;

Fig. '7 is a sectional plan at the line 1-4 on Fig.

Fig. 8 is a partly diagrammatic perspective view showing a reflection prism;

Fig. 9 is a sectional elevation substantially at the line 9-9 on Fig. 2, on a larger scale;

Fig. 10 is a section at the line Iii-40 on Fig. 9, showing particularly the gauging mechanism;

Fig. 11 is a section at the line H-H on Figs. 2 and 12, the section being taken through the gauging slide bars;

Fig. 12 is a section at the line l2-l2 on Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a section at the line l3-l 3 on Fig. 11;

:Fig. 1-4 is an elevation, with parts in section and parts broken away, showing means for lifting and lowering the workholder, and for operating the timer cams;

Fig. 15 is a section at the line [5-45 on Fig. 16, illustrating the cam timing control unit, including various control switches and their operating means;

Fig. 16 is an elevation of in Fig. 115, the front plate of the casing moved;

Figs. 17 and 18 are sections, respectively at the lines ll--I-'| and. l8-l8 on Fig. 15; I

Fig. 19 is asectionat the line 19-19 on Fig. 15 showing .an indicator to indicate the extent of rotation of the switch operating cams;

Fig. 20 is an elevational view of the indicator shown in Fig. 19

-Fig..21 is a wiring .diagramof the apparatusand on a comhead and thecontrol unit shown being re- 3 includes also a schematic view of the light condensing and directing means;

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the gauging mechanism; and

Figs. 23, 24 and 25 are perspective views of the relatively slidable elements comprising the gauging mechanism.

Referring to the drawings, the apparatus is adapted for testing glass jars J. As shown, for example, in Figs. and 6, the jar is of the sideseal type having an annular, vertical sealing surface 33 between the top surface and the shoulder 3! of the jar. The apparatus includes means for rotating the jar about its vertical aXis during the test and simultaneously inspecting both the sealing surface portion 30 and the shoulder portion 3| by directing a light beam against each said portion, causing any surface defect to reflect a portion of the light and direct it to a photoelectric cell which operates through suitable amplifjdng means to indicate the defect, all as hereinafter set forth. During the test, the jar gauging mechanism also operates on the surface 30 to indicate any deviations of said surface from the required diameter. Also, during the gauging operation, a seam detector operating on the sealing surface 30 indicates any scams or shoulders such as are commonly formed at the meeting edges of the mold sections in which the glass is blown.

Referring to Fig. 1, the jars are brought to the gauging apparatus by a horizontal continuously travelling belt conveyor 33. Positioned over the conveyor is a carriage 34 mounted for rotation about a vertical axis and carrying an annular series of work transfer units 35, each comprising a pair of gripping jaws 36. The carriage is rotated intermittently, step-by-step, in a counterclockwise direction by an electric motor 31, having driving connection with the carriage through a train of gearing including a sprocket chain 33. The carriage rotating mechanism driven by the chain 38 may be substantially the same as that shown and described in the patent to Fedorchak, #2,371,748, March 20, 1945, Article Handling Apparatus.

Each pair of jaws 36 is brought, while open, to a receiving position over the belt conveyor and the jaws are then operated to grip a jar and carry it to the testing station at which the jar is positioned over the worktable or platform 39. The jaws are then opened permitting the jar to be rotated about its axis during the test, after which the jaws again close and during succeeding step rotations of the carriage 34, transfer the jar to a position over the conveyor 33, the jaws then being opened to release the jar. The mechanism for opening and closing the jaws may be the same as that illustrated in the Fedorchak patent, above identified.

When a jar J is brought over the worktable 39 and the jaws 36 open to release the jar, it seats on a pad 42 (Fig. 3) which is supported on the table and journalled therein for rotation about a vertical axis. The pad 42 may be rotated continuously by means of gearing including a spur gear 39 on the stem of the pad, driven by a pinion 39 on a vertical shaft 39 which is rotated by the motor 37. The driving connections between the motor and the pad 42 may be the same as those fully disclosed in the patent to Fedorchak, #2327529, August 24, 1943, Gauging Machine.

The table 39 is attached to or formed integral with a head 56 which is slidably mounted for up-and-down movement on a pair of vertical posts 5'! (Figs. 1, 3 and 14). The table is lifted by coil springs 43 under the control of a cam 49. The cam is driven by the motor 31 operating through a driving belt 43 and pulley 45 on a worm shaft 44 (Figs. 1 and 14:). The Worm shaft drives a worm gear 41 fast on a shaft 48 on which the cam 49 is mounted. The cam as it rotates intermittently rocks a rock arm 52 fixed to a shaft 53 to which is also secured a rock arm 54 connected through a link 55 to the head 56.

After a gauging operation, hereinafter described, the head 56 is moved downward by the motor operating through the linkage just described, against the expansive force of the springs 43. The jar on the worktable is thus lowered to a position free from the gauging apparatus, thereby permitting it to be transferred by the rotation of the carriage 34, to the belt conveyor 33. The interconnected driving mechanism between the motor, head 56 and carriage 34 is so designed that the operations of said parts are synchronized and timed to effect the lifting of the worktable, the testing operation, and lowering of the worktable, while the carriage 34 remains at rest, and then while the worktable is at rest in its lowered position, the operation of the work holding jaws 36 and rotation of the carriage for advancing the jar which has been tested and bringing the next succeeding jar into position and releasing it to the pad.

The gauging and detecting devices are mounted on a stationary head plate 58 secured to the posts 51. The head plate is provided with openings 59 to receive the upper ends of the posts, the plate being secured by set screws 6| (Fig. 6). Directly beneath the head plate is a plate 62 which serves as a light shield and guide for the workpieces. The plate 62 is provided with an opening 63 (Figs. 6, '7), of generally circular form extending through the plate. The walls of the opening are downwardly flared and serve as a guide for the neck of the jar J as the latter is moved upward to the testing position in which the neck and shoulder of the jar are positioned within the opening 63 as shown in Fig. 6. An anti-friction bearing ring 64 is mounted within the plates 58 and B2 in position to engage the top surface of the jar when the latter is moved to testing position, thus forming a stop for the jar which is held thereagainst by yielding pressure determined by the expansive force of the springs 43 (Fig. 14), the pressure being sufficient to hold the jar securely on the pad for rotation therewith. Ball bearings 65 permit the ring 64 to rotate freely with the jar.

The gauging mechanism for gauging the necks of the jars at the sealing surface 36 will now be described, such mechanism serving to indicate jars in which the diameter of said surface is either above or below the prescribed limits or in which said surface is out of round or noncircular. The gauging mechanism includes a pair of gauging arms 63 (Figs. 2, 7, 9, 10), each mounted to swing about a pivot bolt 61, said bolts having a fixed mounting in the head plate 58. The arms 66 are housed in recesses 58 formed in the plate 62. Each arm carries a roll 69 pivoted intermediate the ends of the arm in position to bear against the sealing surface of the jar during the gauging operation.

Means for spreading the gauge arms 66 to permit the jar to be moved to gauging position between the rolls, includes a slide bar H (Figs. 2, 3) mounted for lengthwise sliding movement. The slide bar is connected near its forward end by a bivot belt I! to a pair or ball crank levers 13 which swing on pivots M attached to the head plate. The slide ba-r II is actuated by a cam I (Fig. 1) connected to the shaft 48 or to the cam 4901i said shaft. The cam I5 operates a rock arm 13 on a rock shaft "II (Figs. 1 and 2). A rock arm I8 on the shaft 11 carries a roll I9 which bears against the end of the slide bar II. The cam "I5 operates through the connections just described to move the slide ba'r II forward for spreading the gauging arms as presently described. The cam is timed to move the slide bar forward and spread the arms immediately after a gauging operation, and holds it in its forward position until the next succeeding jar is moved upward to gauging position. The slide bar is then released from its cam control and is retr'act'ed by a coil compression spring 8| (Fig. 3), thereby releasing the gauging arms for the testing operation.

Secured to the inner or free ends of the gauge arms 66 are posts 82 (Figs. 6, 7) which extend upwardly through openings 83 in the head plate 58. Slide bars 84 and 85 are pivoted at their outer ends to the posts 82 respectively and extend inwardly between the gauge arms with the slide bars overlapping in telescopic or sliding connection with each other, permitting contracting and expanding movement of the slide bars as the gauge arms move toward and from each other. As shown in Figs. 12, 22, and 25, the bar 85 is formed with a slideway 86 extending lengthwise thereof in which the outer end portion of the bar 84 is slidable. The bars 84 and 95 are formed respectively with lugs 81 and 87 extending downward into the path of the bell crank levers 13. A coil spring 89 (Figs. 11, 12, 13) seated in a recess formed in the slide bar 85, is held under compression between the slide bars. One end of the coil spring bears against a lug '91 which projects downward between the spring and the end wall of the recess in which the spring is housed. V The spring tends to spread the gauge arm 66, the spreading movement being limited by the stop lug 9I bearing against the arm 85.

An intermediate slide member 93 extending lengthwise of the slide bars 84 and 85 and mounted in slidable relation thereto, comprises parallel'spaced arms 94 connected at one end by an integral header cross member 95. The slide a,

member 93 is mounted for sliding movement with the bar 85, being yieldingly connected thereto through coil compression springs 93 mounted on guide rods 9'! attached to the arms 94. The

springs 96 which are weak as compared with z the spring-'99, are held under compression between a rib 85 on the slide bar 85 and lugs 94 on the slide member 93 (Fig. The relative movement of the slides 93 and 85 under the force of the spring is limited by the rib I55 on the slide 35 abutting the head of the slide 93 (Figs. 10, 2-2).

The slide bar '84 is formed intermediate its ends with a raised. portion or platform 99 on which is mounted a bracket 99 carrying a pair of posts or electrical contact strips I90. Electrical contact screws WI and I02 are adjustably mounted respectively in brackets I03 and I04. The bracket I93 is attached to the slide bar 85 and moves therewith. The bracket I04 is attached to the intermediate slide member 93.

The operation of the gauging mechanism is as follows:

'W hi-le the gauging head is empty the telescopically connected slide bars 34 and 95 are held in their contracted position by the coil spring 89 (Fig. 11) and with the slide member 93 in its stop position relative to the bar 85 as shown in Fig. 10. With the parts in this position, the contact screws I9I and I92 are held spaced apart from the contact plates I96. When theslide bar II (Fig. 2) is moved forward as above described to spread the gauging arms 66, the contact bars 84, 85 are extended, thus allowing a jar J to move upward to the gauging position between the rolls 69. The jar is centered in this position by a tapered centering block I05 (Figs. 3, 6, 7) mounted centrally within the opening 63 in the plate 62. The slide bar II is then withdrawn and the spring 89 operates through the gauging arms to move the rolls 19 into contact with the sealing surface 30 of the jar which is rotated while in the gauging position, the rolls being held in contact with the surface 30 during at least one complete rotation of the jar.

If the diameter of the sealing surface 30 is of the specified gauge or within the prescribed limits of tolerance, the contact screws IEH and I92 are held in spaced relation to the contact plates I36 which are electrically connected to the posts I99. If the sealing surface is oversize, the slide bar 84 will be moved to the left relative to the bar 85, carrying with it the bracket 99 (Fig. 24:) and parts thereon. A contact "plate I03 will thus be moved into engagement with the contact screw I32 carried on the slide member 93, thereby completing a control circuit for effecting the operation of the off-gauge counter and off-ware ejector, as hereinafter described. The coil springs 96 maintain a yielding pressure of the contact plate I96 against the contact screw while the slide member 93 moves with the slide bar 84 during any further spreading of the gauge arms after contact is made.

If the diameter of the surface 39 under test is below the prescribed gauge, the gauging arms will be drawn toward each other by the expansive force of the pressure spring 89, the slide bar 34 being moved to the ri ht (Figs. 10, 11) relative to the slide bar 35. This movement of the slide bar 34 to the right when the diameter ofthe surface 39 is below gauge, moves the contact plate I96 into engagement with the contact screw It! on the slide bar 35, thereby completing the control circuit for the off-gauge counter and off-ware ejector. It will be noted that the gauging arms 38 and gauging assembly (Fig. 22) carried thereby are mounted to float so that they adjust themselves to the position of the jar, maintaining the contact screws IM and I92 out of contact Withthe plates I93 when the sur face under test is of the prescribed gauge. During the test, an oversize jar draws the slide bar 84 outward to engage the contact screw IE2 and an undersize jar moves the contact bar 94 to the right to engage the contact screw I9I. If the surface under test is out of round it will operate to establish the control circuit in the same manner as a surface which is either over or under size.

The contact screws I9! and I92 are adjustable for gauging surfaces of different diameters and on a pivot pin III. The rocker comprises an arm carrying a wiper H2 which bears against the surface of the jar. The wiper may consist of an absorbent felt pad containing a lubricant to protect the surface of the glass from scratching or abrasion. The rocker includes an arm I I3 connected through a coil spring H4 to the slide bar H. When the slide bar is in its retracted position, the coil spring H4 is under tension which operates through the rocker H to hold the wiper yieldingly against the surface of the ar.

Seam detector The detector mechanism for detecting seams, shoulders, or other abrupt surface changes or irregularities in the sealing surface is as follows:

The detecting mechanism (see Figs. 3, 4, 4A, '7) comprises a pair of slide plates H5 and H6 each mounted for a short sliding movement lengthwise within a slide holder H1, the latter being positioned within a channel HB (Fig. 7) in a triangular plate I supported on the posts 57. Contact points H9 of hardended metal or the like are secured by connecting strips I2I to the plates H5 and H6 respectively, said contacts being adapted to bear against the surface under test. A coil spring I22 is positioned between the plates H5 and H6 and bears at one 2 end against a stop lug I23 attached by a screw I24 (Fig. 3) to the holder H1. The other end of the spring bears against shoulders formed on the slide plates I I5 and H6, thereby holding the contact points H9 in line so that both points bear against the surface under test. Slide bars I25 and I26 individual to the slide plates H5 and H6 respectively, are mounted in sliding relation to the plates H5 and H6. The bar I25 is provided with a widened section I21 which is positioned within a corresponding recess in the plate I I5, the recess being of a length to permit a short relative sliding movement of the bar I25 and plate H5. A coil spring I23 is held under compression between the bar I25 and plate H5. The bar I26 and plate H6 are formed and arranged in like manner for a short relative sliding movement. A microswitch I30 is connected to the slide bar I25 by a bracket I3I and is operable by a contact member I32 attached to the slide plate H5. A microswitch I33 (Figs. 4A, 5) is attached to the slide bar I23 and is actuated by a contact I34 connected to the slide plate I I6.

While the gauging contacts H9 are in line (Fig. 4), the microswitches I30 and I33 are held free or separated from their operating contacts. If either of the gauging contacts H9 is moved either forwardly or rearwardly relative to the other, the relative movement of the slides H5, H0 actuates one or the other of the microswitches. For example, if the slide plate H6 is moved back relative to the plate I I5 as by a seam or shoulder on the surface under test, the contact member I32 will actuate the switch I30. The coil spring I28 permits the switch I30 to yield and move rearwardly with the contact I32 a short distance, limited by a stop bar I35. The microswitches I30 and I33 are connected in circuit with control devices as hereinafter described.

CriezZe detector A description will now be given of the electronic mechanism for detecting surface checks, cracks, crizzles, and the like in the surfaces under test.

Such crizzle detector mechanism includes means for directing a beam of light against the surface under test, so that any cracks, checks or the like in such surface will serve as a mirror for reflecting a portion of the light beam, the reflected light being directed to a photoelectric cell and thereby causing an electrical impulse which is amplified and serves to operate signalling devices and selective mechanism for segregating defective articles from those which pass the test.

The apparatus includes two separate light sources herein shown as electric lamps I40 and IM (see Fig. 21) from which beams of light are directed respectively, against the side sealing surface 30 and the shoulder surface 3| of the jar under test. The lamp I40 (Figs. 3 and 9) is attached to the upper end of a tubular holder I42 mounted on the head plate 58. The light beam is passed. through a condensing lens I43 within the tube and is directed against a triangular prism I44 (Figs. 3 and '7) mounted in a recess I45 within the plate 62. The prism I44 of leucite, glass or the like, is provided with a reflecting surface I40, which as shown, is at an angle of 45 to the vertical so that the light beam is reflected horizontally therefrom through the channel or recess I45 and strikes the vertical sealing surface 30 at an angle of 45 more or less. The point of contact of the reflected light beam with the surface 30 is preferably a short distance within the focal point of the light beam as indicated in Fig. 21.

The reflected beam of light passes through a channel I4! in the plate 62, strikes the surface 30 and passes through the glass. Any surface check, crack or the like, extending vertically or in some other direction along said surface, when it traverses the beam of light, will present a refleeting surface to the light beam which will cause a reflection of the light or a portion thereof and direct it through a channel I4'I (Fig. 7) in the block I05 to a reflecting prism I48 in the path of the light beam. The reflection from the said reflecting surface consists of a flash of light which occurs when the light beam strikes such surface and the direction of the reflected light is at an angle to the normal direction of the light beam or portion thereof which may be deflected from the adjoining portion of the surface under test. The prism I48 of white transparent leucite or other suitable material, has a horizontal top surface I50 (Fig. 8), a vertical side surface I5I, a vertical reflecting surface I52 at an angle of 45 to the surface I5I, and a reflecting surface I53 inclined at 45 to the horizontal. The reflecting surfaces I52 and I53 are coated with a reflecting material.

As the jar J under test is rotated, any crack I54 or similar defect, as it crosses the path of the incident beam of light transmitted in the direction a (Fig. 8), is reflected by the broken surface at I54 and is directed horizontally in the line b to the reflecting surface I52, from which it is reflected horizontally in the direction 0 to the refleeting surface I53 and is again reflected to the vertical path (1 and passes upward through a cylindrical lens I55 of transparent leucite or the like. The lens I55 is enclosed in a vertical pickup tube I56 of opaque material mounted on the head plate 58 and formed with a rectangular base I51 attached by screw bolts I58 (Fig. 2) to the head plate. The photoelectric cell I60 is supported on the cylindrically concave upper end surface |6I of the lens I55.

The electric lamp I4.I used in detecting defects in the shoulder surface 3I of the jar, is mounted inv the upper end of an inclined tubular holder I62 attached to a base block I63 (Fig. 6) supported on the plate 62. The plate 62. is recessed at I62 and the centering block I85 is formed with a channel I62 (Fig. '1) for the passage of the light beam. The light beam from the lamp MI is directed through a condensing lens I64 (see Fig. 2-1) and strikes the shoulder surface 3I at a point a short distance within the focal point of the light beam. A defect .in the surface 3I will reflect a portion of the light and direct it toward the prism I48. The light passing through the prism strikes the reflecting surface I53 and is reflected upwardly through the lens I55 to the phototube.

During the test a series of microswitches are perated automatically in a predetermined order of sequence, the operations being cam controlled. The cam timing control unit I65 for effecting such operations, is-illustrated in Figs. 1, and 14 to 21 inclusive. It comprises a cam shaft I66 journalled a case [61 within which are mounted mieroswitches S2, S3, S4 and S5 attached to a partition wall I -12 within the case. The switches are controlled and actuated by disk cams I13 and I14 fixedto the cam shaft I66.

The cam shaft I66 is rotated by means of a rock arm I15 keyed to the rock shaft 53, said rock arm being formed with a segmental rack I16 in mesh with a pinion I-11 keyed to the cam shaft When the shaft 53. is rocked in the direction to lift the worktable and bring a workpiece into testing position as before described, the roclg arm I15 operates to rotate the cam shaft 55 nd br g the came '13 n "4 t a o i determined by the height to which the worktable lifted. The earn shaft then remains at rest a in th s n of t e wo e After the test is completed, the slide bar TI is again moved forward by its cam and spreads the gauge arms to release the workpiece. Immediately following thi the cam 49 (Fig. 14) operates to lower the worktable and also to rotate the cam shaft I66 in the reversedirection to that above described, thereby actuating the cam epnt le m cro wi hes i t m n d scribed hereinafter.

, Means for indicating the position to which the worktable is lifted, comprises a pointer I18 (Fig. 1.9) consisting of a rock arm keyed to the shaft 166 and movable over the face plate I19'of the case I651. While the worktable is in its lowered position, the pointer I18'is'in the'position shown full lines (Fig. 19 When the worktable is lifted, the pointer is swung in a counter-clock wise direction to the dotted line position (Fig.

19 designated by an indicating means such as a notch there is no jar or workpiece on the worktable to stop its upward movement by the jar coming in contact with thebearing ring V 64: (Fig.6), the tablewill move toIa higher level and be arrested with the pointer'at the indicating notch I8 I. The additional upward movement of the worktable above its normal lifted position operates throughthe cam control mechanism to prevent the apparatus from indicating and registeririg a ,defect as it would otherwiseif the workpiece were missing. Such operation will be des ri ed h r na e A. spring bu-fi'er device is connected between the camshaft I66 and stationary cover plate I19 (see Figs. 19, It comprisesa rock arm I82 fixed t th sha t IF? a red 1 P rat sin one end to the rock arm, a rocker I84 with which the rod is telescopically connected, and a buffer spring I66. The rocker is connected by a pivot I85 to the plate I19. mounted on the rod I83 and is held under compression between the end of the rocker I84 and a head I86 on the rod. Said head is slidable in a tubular section of the rocker.

The spring I86 being under compression applies a turning moment to the cam shaft, both while the worktable is in its lifted position and while in its lowered position, thereby assisting the starting and stopping movements. The spring is compressed as the worktable approaches either limit of its up and down movements and expands as the worktable moves toward an intermediate position.

Referring to Figs. 15 to 18, the operating connecticns between the cams I13, I14 and the microswitches, include slide bars I81 individual to the switches and mounted for radial sliding movement toward and from the cam shaft. The slide bars carry posts I68 with cam follower rolls 2, 3, 4, 5 thereon, individual respectively to the switches S2, S3, S4 and S5. The posts are extended downward to positions in front of operating contacts I9I of the switches. The follower rolls are held against the cams by compression coil springs I92.

Referring to the wiring diagram (Fig. 21) when the photocell I68 is energized by a light-beam, the signal is amplified by amplifying means including a vacuum tube I95, herein shown as a triode, and a gas filled tube I96 or thyratron. A beam of light thrown on the cathode I91 of the photocell causes a current impulse through the circuit of the cell from the anode I98 through wire I99, battery B and resistor 288. The current impulse upsets the voltage balance across a condenser 28I in a circuit including the resistor 288, ground wire 282, battery cell 283, and resistor 284. This raises the voltage on the grid 285 of tube I95, thereby causing a current flow in the plate circuit of the tube, said circuit including a resistor 286, B batteries, B B, and ground wire 282. The current impulse in the plate circuit upsets the voltage balance in a condenser 281 connected in a circuit comprising the resistor 286, B batteries, B B, ground wire 282, a variable resistor 289 and resistor 2I8. The current flow or impulse thus produced causes the grid 2II of the gas tube I96 to become less negative. The rise in the grid voltage causes the tube to fire. The grid is normally maintained at a negative. potential with respect to the cathode 2 I2 by a battery 2I3 having its positive plate connected to the cathode and its negative terminal connected through resistors 289 and 2 ID to the grid. The battery 2 I3 is connected across the variable resistance 289; adjustment of the latter adjusts the voltage on the control grid. The potential maintained on the grid by'the battery 2I3 is sufficiently negative to prevent firing of the tube until raised by upsetting the voltage balance across the condenser 281, as above described.

In order to positively prevent firing of the tube I66 at any timeeXcept while the worktable is in lifted position for the testing operation, a paralyzer is provided for the grid circuit controlled by a double switch SI comprising a contact bar 2 I4. The switch SI (Figs. 2, 3) has a stationary mounting on the gauging head and is actuated by an arm 2I5 on thepivot pin 12. When the slide bar H is moved forward to spread the gauge arms while a workpiece is being lifted into posi- The coil spring I86 is tion for the test, the contact arm 2I5 is swun free from the switch, permitting the latter to assume the position shown in Fig. 21 in which the contact bar 2 I4 bridges contacts 2I4 When the test is completed and the workpiece lowered, slide bar II is withdrawn to release the switch which is thereby reversed so that the contact bar 2I4 bridges contacts 2I4 This connects the grid 2II through a resistor 2L6 to the negative terminal of a battery 2" connected in series with the battery 2I3 and thereby maintains the grid 2 II sufficiently negative with respect to the cathode 2 I2 to positively prevent firing of the tube by any signal transmitted through the amplifier tube I95.

The devices adapted to be actuated under the control of an amplified signal from the photo-tube include a signal lamp 220, a counter comprising a magnet coil 22 I, and an off-ware ejector 222. The counter, herein referred to as the crizzle counter, may be of conventional construction adapted to register each energization of the coil 22 I. The off-ware ejector may consist of mechanism designed for ejecting defective ware, as for example, the ejector mechanism shown in Patent #2,338,868, to E. R. Owens, January 11, 1944, Gauging Apparatus.

When the worktable is lifted and a workpiece or jar brought to testing position, the various switches and relays are brought to the positions shown in the diagram (Fig. 21). If there is no defect in the jar under test, the switches remain in status quo during the test. If, during the test, the thyratron I36 is fired by an amplified signal from the phototube, a current how is set up in the plate circuit of the thyratron. Said circuit may be traced from the plate 223 through the signal lamp 220, switch S3, a relay coil 224, wire 225, switch SI, B batteries, B B B, and ground wire 202 to the cathode 2I2. The signal lamp 220 is thus lighted and the relay coil 224 operates to close the contact bars 226, 22'! and 228.

The contact bar 221, when closed, completes a circuit for the crizzle counter coil 22!, which is connected across the mains 230 and 23I leading from a source of current supply. The contact bar 226 bridges contacts connected in parallel through wires 225, 225 with contacts 2I4 of switch SI thereby providing a holding circuit for coil 224 when switch SI is reversed. The contact I bar 228 is in a circuit with a rela 232, which circuit may be traced from the main 230 through wire 231, contact 228, wire 233, open switch S5, and coil 232. When energized, the relay coil 232 moves contact bars 234 and 235 to closed position, thereby completing a circuit for the operating coil 236 of the oif-ware ejector. The circuit of the magnet coil 232 is open at the switch S5; the operation of the relay 224 has no immediate effect on the off-ware ejector.

The switches now remain in status quo with the switch operating cams I13 and I14 at rest until the gauging operation is completed. The slide bar II (Fig. 2) is then moved forward by its cam to spread the gauging arms and with draw them from the workpiece. Immediately following this, the worktable is lowered by its cam 49 (Fig. 14) as heretofore described. The forward movement of the slide bar releases the switch S1 which is thereby reversed so that the paralyzing circuit through the battery 2! I is closed as above described, thus preventing any false signal when the workpiece is moved down ward. When the switch SI is thus reversed, the plate circuit of the cell 155, extending through the relay coil 224, remains closed through the holding contact bar 226.

When the work-holding pad starts downward, the switch cams I13 and I14 are rotated. The switch S5 is first closed before the switches S3 and S4 are opened by their cams. This completes the circuit for the relay coil 232. This circuit may be traced from the positive main 230 through wire 231, contact bar 228, wire 233, switch S5, and relay coil 232. The latter is thus energized, closing the contact bars 234 and 235. The bar 234 completes the circuit for the 01T- ware ejector coil 236, thereby causing an operation of the ejector or ejector trip device 222, permitting the ejector to operate and discharge the defective jar when the ejecting station is reached. When the switch S3 opens, it breaks the circuit through the relay coil 224 so that the relay opens the circuit through the crizzle counter 22I at contact bar 221. When the switch S4 is opened by its cam, the relay coil 232 in circuit therewith is de-energized, thereby opening the circuit of the off-ware ejector coil.

The off-ware ejector 222 serves not only for ejecting off-ware operating through the photocell, but also is operative for rejecting cit-gauge ware indicated by the gauging mechanism and oif-ware indicated by the seam detector mechanism. An off-gauge counter comprising a magnet coil 248 registers the cit-gauge ware and also the defective ware indicated by the seam detector. The operation of the counter coil 240 and the ejector 222 for ejecting ofi-gauge and seam ware are under the control of a thyratron 24I. The cathode 242 of the tube is connected to the grounded positive terminal of a battery 243 in the control grid circuit which maintains a negative voltage on the grid 245 The plate circuit of the tube includes a battery 244 which maintains a positive voltage on the plate. said circuit being extended through the switch S2, a relay magnet coil 245 and a signal lamp 246. If, during the test, either of the gauging contacts [BI and I02, operated respectively by ware below and above gauge as heretofore described, is closed by the ware being out of gauge, or if either of the seam detector switches I30 and I33 is closed, the control grid 245 is thereby grounded and. thus brought to the same potential as the cathode 242. This results in the tube being fired by the battery 244, so that the signal lamp 246 is lighted and the relay coil 245 is energized and moves the contact bars 24! and 248 to closed position. The magnet coil 24!) is thus energized and the offgauge counter operated to register the defective article. The closed contact bar 248 is in circuit with the switch S5 so that when the latter is closed after the completion of the gauging operation, it completes a circuit from the main 230, through the contact bar 248, switch S5 and relay coil 232 to the main 23I. Coil 232 now operates to complete the circuit for the off-ware ejector coil 236, thus permitting operation of the off-ware ejector.

It will be noted that the crizzle counter 22I and the off-gauge counter 240 operate independently of each other. Thus, for example, if the jar under test has a crack or crizzle detected by the phototube and also is off-gauge, it eiTects the operation of both counters. This enables the counters to register the number of defective articles due to either type of defect, regardless of whether or not both types of defect may appear in the same article.

Means are provided for preventing an off-gauge indication when the machine indexes without a jar in the gauging head. If the work-pad is empty when lifted, the below gauge contact NH and seam detector contacts I30, l33,.move to closed position. This, without some preventing means, would cause the thyratron 24! to fire and operate the off-gauge counter and off-ware ejector, as heretofore described. In order to prevent sucha false operation, the cam H4 is formed with a dip section 25l in position to open the switch S2 when the cam is rotated beyond its normal position, such rotation taking place when there is no jar on the pad to limit the upward movement. The opening of the switch s2 by the cam section 25!, holds the plate circuit of the thyratron 2 open so that the closing of the gauging and seam detector contacts cannot effect operation of the tube. Thus operation of the offgauge counter and off-ware ejector while the gauging head is empty is prevented.

Modifications may be resorted to within the spirit and scope of our invention.

' We claim:

1. Apparatus for detecting surface flaws in the round exterior side-sealing surface formed on the upper, open neck end of a transparent glass container, said apparatus comprising a stationary horizontal plate having a downwardly flared approximately circular opening therethrough, a

support for the container spaced below said opening, means for moving said support upwardly with a container in upright osition thereon and thereby moving the neck portion of the container upwardly within said opening, means for rotating the container about its vertical axis While the neck portion is within said opening, said plate having a radially disposed channel extending therein to said opening for the passage of a light beam, means for directing a light beam from a point exterior to the container through said channel and causing it to impinge on the said exterior sealing surface at an acute angle, a centering block mounted in fixed position relatively to said stationary plate and positioned to enter the container as the latter is moved upwardly, a reflecting prism mounted within said block in the path of a light ray reflected by a defect in said surface, and a photoelectric cell in the path of the light reflected from said prism.

2. Apparatus for testing a hollow glass article having a round exterior surface for detecting flaws in said surface, said apparatus comprising a support for the article, means for rotating the support and the article thereon about the axis of said article, a light source, means for positioning the light source at a point exterior to the said article and its support, means for condensing a beam of light from said source and converging the beam toward a focal point and directin it against said exterior. surface during the said rotation and thereby causing the beam to scan said surface, .the direction of said beam being such as to cause a crack or other defect in said surface to reflect a light ray and project it through the glass into the interior of said article, a light reflecting prism, means for mounting said prism, means for liftin and lowering said support with the article thereon, to and from a position in which the prism is within said article in the path of said reflected light ray, said prism having a reflecting surface from which the light ray is reflected, and indicating means actuated by the reflected light ray for indioating'the defeet.

3. Apparatus for testing a hollow glass article having a round exterior surface for detecting flaws in said surface, said apparatus comprising a support for the article, meansfor rotating the support and the article thereon about the axis of said article, a light source, means for positioning the light source at a point exterior to the said article and its support, means for condensing a beam of light from said source and converging the beam toward a focal point and directing it against said exterior surface during the said rotation and thereby causingthe beam to scan said surface, the direction of said beam bein such as to cause a crack or other defect in said surface to reflect a light ray and project it through the lass into the interior of said article, a light reflecting prism,

, means for mounting said prism, means for lifting and lowering said support with the article thereon, to and from a position in which the prism is within said article in the path of said reflected light ray, said prism having a reflecting surface from which the light ray is reflected, a photoelectric cell in the path of the light ray reflected from the prism, amplifying means for amplifying an electrical impulse produced in the cell by said light ray, and indicating devices actuated by the amplified electrical impulse.

4. Detectin apparatus for detecting defects in an exterior circular surface of a hollow transparent glass container, said surface being concentrio with the vertical axis of the container, said apparatus comprising a support for the container, means for rotating the support and the container thereon about said vertical axis, a light source exterior to said container, means for condensing a light beam from said source and directing it horizontally against the rotating surface under test at an angle to said surface of approximately 45 and thereby causin a reflection of aportion of the incident light beam by a surface defect of the glass traversing the light beam, and by which the reflected light is directed into the container, a prism, means for mountin the prism in a, predetermined position, means for lifting and lowering said support and the container thereon, into and out of a position to bring the prism within the container in the path of the reflected light, said prism having reflecting surfaces positioned and arranged to further reflect the said reflected light and direct it upwardly, a photoelectric cell in the path of said upwardly directed light, and indicating means actuated by said cell.

5. Detecting apparatus comprisin a horizontally disposed stationary plate having an approximately circular opening therethrough, a support for a glass jar spaced below said opening, means for moving the support with the jar thereon upwardly to a testing position in which the neck of the jar is within said opening, a centering block mounted in a fixed position in which it enters the neck of the jar when the latter is moved upward to testing position, means for rotating the jar about its vertical axis while in testing position, a reflector mounted in said plate in a position exterior to and spaced from the said opening in the plate, a light source, means for supporting the light source in a position exterior to said jar, means for condensin a beam of light from said light source and directing it against said reflector, said reflector being positioned to reflect the light beam and direct it against the neck of the jar, said plate having a channel extending therein from the reflector to said opening providing a path for the reflected light beam,

' a reflecting prism mounted within said centering block, a second light source mounted in a position exterior to said jar, means for directing a beam of light from said second light source against a difierent surface portion of the jar, said reflecting prism being positioned to receive reflected light from both said light sources when reflected from the jar, and a photoelectric cell spaced above said prism, the latter having reflectin surfaces arranged to direct the reflected light from both said sources upwardly against the photoelectric cell.

6. Apparatus for testing the surface of a workpiece for any flaw therein which presents a light reflecting surface at an angle to the adjoining portion of the surface under test, said apparatus comprising a workholder for supporting the workpiece, means for moving the workholder and workpiece thereon to and from a testing position, means for rotating the holder and workpiece while in said testing position, a light source, means for directing a beam of light therefrom against the said rotating surface and thereby causing a said flaw, when brought into the light beam, to reflect a portion of the light beam, a photoelectric cell, means for directing the refiected radiation against said cell and thereby producing an electrical impulse, means for shielding the cell from radiation of said beam reflected from the said surface under test, means for amplifying the said impulse, said amplifying means comprising an electronic tube, a signal device in the plate circuit of the tube actuated by said amplified impulse, automatic means for rendering said tube unresponsive to a said amplified impulse while the workholder is Withdrawn from said testing position, the said means for rendering the tube unresponsive comprising a paralyzer in the grid circuit of said tube, a

16 switch in circuit with the paralyzer, and automatic means for opening the switch when the workholder and workpiece are brought to said testing position and for closing said switch before the workholder and workpiece are withdrawn from the testing position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 715,393 Koehler Dec. 9, 1902 1,874,113 Morgan Aug. 30, 1932 1,934,187 Glasgow Nov. 7, 1.933 1,947,729 Morrison Feb. 20, 1934 2,054,320 Hanson Sept. 15, 1936 2,131,096 Cox Sept. 27, 1938 2,132,447 Stout Oct. 11, 1938 2,137,187 Stoate Nov. 15, 1938 2,192,580 Sachtleben Mar. 5, 1940 2,318,856 Hofiman May 11, 1943 2,327,629 Fedorchak Aug. 24, 1943 2,334,475 Claudet Nov. 16, 1943 2,335,686 Mercur Nov. 30, 1943 2,338,868 Owens Jan. 11, 1944 2,352,091 Fedorchak et a1. June 20, 1944 2,355,719 Fedorchak Aug. 15, 1944 2,481,863 Owens Sept. 13, 1949 2,643,767 Baker June 30, 1953 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 67,017 Norway Nov. 1, 1943 OTHER REFERENCES Hartford-Empire Develops Inspector for Finish Checks, an article in The Glass Industry for April 1945 on pages 176 and 203. (Copy in Patent Ofiice.) 

